Botswana’s First Comic Book Superhero

Gomolemo Mark Kalayakgosi Snr. is a multifaceted creative force from Palapye, Botswana, whose passions and talents span across psychotherapy, pastoral work, and art. As a psychotherapist and professional counselor, he devotes his time to uplifting others through mental health awareness. Simultaneously, as a pastor, he empowers his community with spiritual teachings. However, one of his most distinct contributions is in the realm of art, where Kalayakgosi has earned recognition as Botswana’s leading graphic illustrator and cartoonist. His crowning achievement in this arena is the creation of Pula, Botswana’s first comic book superhero, a powerful and groundbreaking symbol for the nation.

Born and raised in Palapye’s Extension 1, Kalayakgosi’s artistic journey began at the tender age of five. His elder brother, Mothusi Abraham Kalayakgosi, a realistic artist, served as his earliest inspiration. Watching his brother bring lifelike portraits to life ignited a spark in young Gomolemo. At first, he followed in Mothusi’s footsteps, honing his skills as a realistic artist. However, as he entered primary school, Kalayakgosi discovered a love for illustration and abstract art, marking a turning point in his creative evolution.

It was through drawing from his imagination, rather than observation, that Kalayakgosi found his true artistic calling. “Drawing from my imagination gave me the freedom to express my creativity in ways that realism couldn’t,” he recalls. It was this passion for boundless creativity that led him to create his first comic book character, Senganga, in 2002. Senganga was a major step toward realizing Kalayakgosi’s dream of becoming a prominent comic book artist in Botswana. In 2004, the character was featured in his local church newsletter, PAG Revelations, offering him a platform to share his work with a wider audience. This publication inspired Kalayakgosi to aim higher, aspiring to see his comic strips in major local newspapers alongside established cartoonists like Tebogo Motswetla, famed for the Mabijo comic.

Kalayakgosi’s artistic talent is not an isolated phenomenon in his family. He comes from a large family of six siblings—five brothers and one sister. Remarkably, three of his brothers are also artists, specializing in realistic drawing. What sets Kalayakgosi apart, however, is the fusion of his spirituality with his art. All five brothers are pastors, each leading their own registered ministries. The strong Christian environment in which Kalayakgosi grew up has deeply influenced his approach to art, shaping his desire to use his creativity to inspire hope, positivity, and moral values.

“My art is a reflection of my faith,” Kalayakgosi explains. “It’s about spreading positivity and encouraging people to believe in themselves and in a higher purpose.” His early comic character, Senganga, grew in popularity within his church, eventually premiering in other newsletters, where it became a source of inspiration for many. These small victories were a precursor to the significant accomplishments that would follow.

Kalayakgosi has since built an impressive catalogue of comic books that tackle important social issues. His work includes Eseng mo Ngwaneng – Say No to Defilement, which aims to educate about child protection and sexual abuse prevention, and Creativity for Sustainable Development, a comic book that highlights the importance of creativity in advancing societal goals. Other works, such as Mask Up, Defeat COVID-19, provide timely social commentary on global crises, while Chouka offers another dimension to his diverse array of stories.

However, it is his most recent project, Pula, that stands as his most iconic achievement. Pula is not just any superhero—she is Botswana’s first comic book superhero and, notably, the country’s first female superhero. The story of Pula is a poignant one: a young Motswana girl who loses her mother to gender-based violence (GBV), which drives her to become an activist in her own right. Pula doesn’t just fight crime with fists and superpowers; she stands up for justice by advocating against GBV and raising awareness about mental health. The character resonates deeply with readers in Botswana, where issues of GBV and mental health are often stigmatized or overlooked.

The impact of Kalayakgosi’s work extends far beyond Botswana’s borders. His contributions to the field of graphic illustration have earned him numerous accolades. Notably, he won Best Graphic Designer at the regional and national levels at the Botswana National Arts Festival and placed third worldwide in the Best Cartoonist of the Year Award from ToonsMagazine in Norway in 2022. This global recognition solidified his reputation as a world-class artist, capable of making meaningful statements through his medium.

Despite the success of Pula and other projects, Kalayakgosi acknowledges that the road has not been easy, particularly in Botswana, where comic books are still a relatively niche form of entertainment. “Locally, we are few who do this form of art,” he explains. “However, Batswana have been overwhelming with their support. People have bought the comic books based on their own capacity and understanding of the art.” He notes that while comic books abroad can generate millions in revenue, Botswana is still at the beginning stages of developing a robust comic book industry.

Nevertheless, Kalayakgosi remains hopeful. He is encouraged by the growing interest in his work, both locally and internationally. “The world knows superheroes like The Flash, Superman, and Spiderman,” he says. “Our kids wear them as brands. With time, I believe Botswana’s comic book world will grow, and we’ll see more sponsors coming on board.” In fact, Kalayakgosi has already experienced the benefits of digital transformation. His comic book, Pula, is available online, and while it has taken time for Batswana to adjust to purchasing digital products, his work has reached a broader audience through social media platforms. Commissions and paid work from abroad have poured in, validating the universal appeal of his art.

Kalayakgosi’s ultimate goal is to see the art of comic books and animation thrive in Botswana. He dreams of creating a “mega studio” that would fuse the two art forms, providing employment opportunities for other talented illustrators and animators. For now, he is doing what he can within his own capacity, but the vision of a large-scale operation that could revolutionize the local art scene is always at the forefront of his mind.

At the core of Kalayakgosi’s mission is faith. He believes that with faith, nothing is impossible. “Whoever thought we’d have our own black superhero in Botswana?” he muses. “Pula is a national symbol of hope, faith, and love.” Through his artwork, Kalayakgosi is not only entertaining audiences but also offering a message of empowerment and self-belief. His work reminds people, especially the youth, that their dreams are achievable, no matter the obstacles they may face.

As Kalayakgosi continues to build his legacy, he remains focused on his mission of preaching positivity and empowering people through both his art and his ministry. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and faith—a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, superheroes can emerge to inspire a nation.